Batting legend to join Warriors as a consultant by Peter Martin

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Player:

G Kirsten

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DateLine: 2nd August 2006

 

FORMER South African batsman Gary Kirsten has been appointed as a batting consultant for the Warriors franchise for the upcoming season, it was announced in Port Elizabeth Wednesday.

 

The Warriors suffered a number of inexplicable batting collapses last season and lost their last three SuperSport matches by an innings and plenty, and Kirsten, with his wealth of experience – he played 101 Test matches and 185 ODIs for South Africa – is sure to be a valuable addition to the Warriors coaching staff, able to iron out batting problems and give advice on how to build an innings.

 

The left-handed Kirsten will aid coach Russell Domingo and his assistant, Piet Botha. Domingo is over the moon about the appointment. “I’ve worked a lot with Gary at batting camps and we’ve got a good rapport” he said. “It says much for the faith he has in our franchise that a player of Kirsten’s stature is prepared to come on board.”

 

Kirsten is expected in Port Elizabeth for pre-season training in September. “I am delighted to be part of the Warriors and hope that I can play a role in ensuring that the players are prepared for the season ahead,” Kirsten said. “Gary brings with him an enormous amount of experience and wisdom. In retaining his services we are providing our cricketers with a unique opportunity to learn from somebody who has achieved the highest success through hard work and determination,” said Cricket eastern Cape CEO, Dave Emslie.

 

“Gary's experience, expertise and personality will be something that we hope will give the Warriors a competitive edge in their quest to provide the region with a team of which they can be proud,” Emslie added.

 

(July 2006)

(Article: Copyright © 2006 Peter Martin)